Thousands of people visit some part of the Caribbean every year. Many are visiting one of the prominent resorts and towns that dot the islands of the region. The vast majority of those resorts in towns are crowded and quite expensive. They are inherently predictable and similar to numerous other resorts. However, one gem of the Caribbean that has been ignored by many of these resort and tour companies is Haiti. The country of Haiti has had a unique history that has produced a wonderful culture and an interesting landscape. Make sure that you know what you are going to do on your Haiti vacation and where you are going to stay before you get there.
Main Attractions
1. History Museum
One of the most famous attractions in all of Haiti is the area around the National Palace in Port-au-Prince. This area contains a number of the most pristine and famous attractions in the entire country. One of these attractions is the National History Museum. Haiti has an exceptional history as the only country in the Western Hemisphere that originated from a slave revolt. Many of the mementos of that revolt are located in the History Museum.
2. National Museum
Another major claim to world history for the country of Haiti is its status as one of the first areas that Christopher Columbus landed on when he visited the New World. There are artifacts in the National Museum that are purported to have come from Columbus and maybe some of the earliest European artifacts in the New World.
3. Art Museum
Near the History Museum, there is an art museum. This art museum showcases the unique blend of cultures that led to Haiti’s current art scene. Haiti is a melting pot of cultures such as French, African, and Caribbean. The museum also contains famous works by naive artists inspired by the natural beauty of the country.
4. National Palace
There are prominent buildings and ruins near the National Palace as well. The ruins of Sacred Heart Cathedral are some of the most majestic and appealing in the entire region. The National Palace itself is also a prominent building that attracts sightseers. It is designed in a monumental style that reflects the country’s Colonial origins.
Other Things to Do
1. Sans Souci Palace
Sans Souci Palace is perhaps the most famous site to visit outside of the city of Port-au-Prince on your Haiti vacation. It is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage monuments in the entire country. World heritage sites are recognized by the United Nations for their unique contributions to cultures and world history. This palace is no exception to the thousands of other sites that have received this designation around the world. The palace is remote and in a safe area of the country. The ruins are a breathtaking reminder of earlier monarchs and their attempts at grandeur throughout Haitian history.
2. Pic la Selle and Chaine de la Selle
For travelers who were not necessarily interested in history or the city, there is the Pic la Selle and the Chaine de la Selle Mountain Range. This mountain range is located in the southeast corner of the country and has a number of prominent mountains that can be climbed. None of these mountains are so tall that they will require years of experience or considerable technical assistance like mountains in much taller ranges.
Where to Stay
Hotel Oloffson: The Hotel Oloffson in the central district of Port-au-Prince is definitely the best place to stay for a Haiti vacation. It is a massive, Gothic-inspired house from the late 19th century that is located in a lush jungle area. The hotel has a secluded location, modern amenities, and a pool. You can enjoy meals at the hotel daily. On Thursday nights, a local band provides music specifically for the patrons of the hotel. Many of the most prominent citizens in all of Haiti come to these performances.
American Chain Hotels: There are other options for Haiti vacation lodging that have their own charm. Some people want the comfort and familiarity of an American chain whenever they travel in another country. Haiti has several of those chains. Two of the most prominent are the Marriott and the Best Western in southern Port-au-Prince. These chains have WiFi, air conditioning, and many of the other amenities that one would expect at a Marriott or Best Western in the United States.
How to Get to Haiti
Haiti is a country on the island of Hispaniola next to the Dominican Republic. The border between the two countries is not porous. Therefore, it is not feasible to reach Haiti by land and it is much too difficult to reach the country by sea. It is imperative that one flies from a major airport for their Haiti vacation. Thankfully, Haiti has a prominent airport that receives flights from numerous destinations.
Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport receives planes from all across the United States. Airports in Orlando and New York both have direct flights to Haiti. Any traveler from another airport can reach a connecting flight and easily get to Port-au-Prince. Once in the country, there are buses and cars that will take you to your specific destination.
Finally, a Haiti vacation is a definite cure for the congestion and high costs that hamper many Caribbean vacations. Is a country full of interesting history and exciting, beautiful places to visit. Large parts of the country are cheap and safe to visit and stay for a long period of time. There is a wide variety of attractions that ensure song fun for the entire family. Make sure to add Haiti to your list of places to visit today.
Images source: depositphotos.com
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